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Comments: Cartoon controversy

A selection of comments sent to us in response to the controversy over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad:

07 Feb 2006 17:24 GMT

The cartoons have sparked protests across the Muslim world

The EU wants Arab countries to protect its citizens, I don't see the world protecting the Palestinians.Steve Jellen Sr, United States

We should accept and respect people's beliefs, but we must also be able to deal with offences in a constructive manner without resorting to

violence.

Sebasitian Larsen, Norway

The only solution is that the Danish government should resign, especially the Danish prime minister and foreign minister; until then all Islamic embassies should be closed in Denmark, and all Danish embassies should be closed in Islamic countries!

Ahmad Fadil, Morocco

I think the EU should be made to know that if the Danish newspaper printed the repulsive pictures in the name of "freedom of speech", which is accepted

by the member states, then governments of the Muslim countries cannot stop their citizens from also enjoying a "freedom of expression".

Ammabua Ameer, Nigeria

Danish PM Rasmussen(R) says the issue is about freedom of speech

We, in Europe, in particular in Italy, make jokes on EVERYTHING, including politics,

religion and God. The comic tradition has always been a source of freedom.

Marco, Italy

I think that the West doesn't understand how Muhammad (peace be upon him) is important to us and how much we love him.S

aid, United States

I must admit, this whole thing seems preposterous. How many times have Muslim and Islamic publishers depicted Americans and other people in

"disgraceful" situations?

Andrew McKenzie, United States

Freedom of the press is no licence for bad manners. I am an atheist but I would consider it totally unacceptable to insult any of my friends who

professed a contrary belief.

E.H. Craill, Australia

While it is unfortunate that a few people have been upset by the publications of the Prophet, why has it taken so long for any kind of protest to come to light until now? After all, these alleged blasphemous cartoons were first published some months ago. Can any right-minded person really be so upset about an image in print that he would resort to such extreme acts of violence against innocent people?

M Baker, England

The words moderate and Muslim are oxymorons. Muslims are radicals so much so to not understand reason. Governments in the West do not

control the press!

Andy, United States

Danish symbols have been burned and attacked in protest

The recent riots in the Muslim world show that the Muslim people are fearful for their religion.

Mork Skinner, Australia

I regret very much the Western tendency to defile anything sacred. It actually goes as much for Christians as for Muslims, with the difference that Western Christians hardly protest anymore, sadly.

Hans Deventer, Netherlands

Why are practising Muslims not able to separate their own identity from the identity of Mohammed and Islam so that when someone is critical of

both, they don't take it so personally?

Louis Solnicki, Canada

I think it is so sad that there is such a disconnection between the West and the Muslim world. It must be very upsetting to people to see their holy symbols shown in an insulting light. On the other hand in the West, people are used to these sorts of references to their own religious symbols. We need to come together to address the challenges of the future not stand apart.

Eliot Axelrod, United States

Firstly I understand why Muslims might find the cartoons offensive, especially the one depicting the Prophet with a bomb in the turban. But when you see demonstrators burning flags, torching embassies and waving the green coloured flags of Islam while shouting Allahu Akbar, is it really that strange that many westerners combine Islam with violence?